US Purchases 1.8 Million , Monkeypox Vaccine Doses , as Cases Climb.
Al Jazeera reports that the Biden administration announced plans to bolster the United States' supply of the monkeypox vaccine with the purchase of 1.8 million additional doses.
Al Jazeera reports that the Biden administration announced plans to bolster the United States' supply of the monkeypox vaccine with the purchase of 1.8 million additional doses.
On August 18, the White House
said the extra JYNNEOS vaccines
will be available on August 22.
According to Al Jazeera, a newly-authorized
dosing technique allows 360,000 vials
of the vaccine to provide nearly two million doses.
To date, the Biden-Harris Administration
has delivered nearly 1 million doses
of JYNNEOS vaccine to jurisdictions ā
the largest JYNNEOS MPV
vaccine program in the world, White House statement, via Al Jazeera.
The U.S. has seen the number of monkeypox cases
climb, with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
(CDC) reporting 13,500 cases as of August 17.
Al Jazeera reports that the U.S.
now accounts for over one-third of
the total number of cases globally.
Earlier this week, HHS secretary Xavier Becerra said ending the monkeypox outbreak is a, "critical priority.".
Earlier this week, HHS secretary Xavier Becerra said ending the monkeypox outbreak is a, "critical priority.".
Bob Fenton, who is coordinating the administrationās monkeypox response, said that 50,000 courses of antiviral treatment will be available for anyone who tests positive.
In July, the WHO declared monkeypox, an international health emergency.
On August 4, the U.S. declared the disease , a public health emergency
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:30Published
US and Taiwan Begin , Formal Trade Talks .
The formal trade negotiations were announced by the Biden administration on Aug 17.
The announcement follows Nancy Pelosi's trip to the nation, the first for a House Speaker in 25 years.
Pelosi's trip sparked condemnation from China's government due to its One China policy that does not recognize the autonomy of Taiwan.
Taiwan is already a significant trade partner for the U.S., especially in the market of advanced semiconductors.
A spokeswoman for China's Ministry of Commerce reacted to news of the trade talks.
stating that the nation will ātake all necessary measures to resolutely safeguard sovereignty, security and development interests.ā.
China always opposes any form of official exchanges between any country and the Taiwan region of China, ... , China's Ministry of Commerce, Statement,
via 'The New York Times'.
... including negotiating and
signing any agreements with sovereign connotations or
an official nature, China's Ministry of Commerce, Statement,
via 'The New York Times'.
The U.S. assistant secretary of state for East Asian and Pacific affairs was undeterred by China's reaction.
We will continue to fulfill our commitments under the Taiwan Relations Act, Daniel J. Kritenbrink, Asst. Secretary of State,
via 'The New York Times'.
That includes supporting Taiwanās self-defense and maintaining our own capacity to resist any resort to force... , Daniel J. Kritenbrink, Asst. Secretary of State,
via 'The New York Times'.
... or other forms of coercion
that would jeopardize
Taiwanās security. , Daniel J. Kritenbrink, Asst. Secretary of State,
via 'The New York Times'.
And we will continue, consistent with our āone Chinaā policy, to deepen our ties with Taiwan, .., Daniel J. Kritenbrink, Asst. Secretary of State,
via 'The New York Times'.
... including through continuing to advance our economic and
trade relations, Daniel J. Kritenbrink, Asst. Secretary of State,
via 'The New York Times'
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Jill Biden , Tests Positive for COVID.
CNN reports that a spokesperson for the first lady confirmed the positive COVID test on Aug. 16. .
After testing negative for Covid-19 on Monday during her regular testing cadence, the first lady began to develop cold-like symptoms late in the evening. , Elizabeth Alexander, Jill Biden's communications director, via CNN.
She tested negative again on a rapid antigen test, but a PCR test came back positive, Elizabeth Alexander, Jill Biden's communications director, via CNN.
Dr. Biden is currently taking Paxlovid.
She is double vaccinated and double boosted.
The 71-year-old is currently wrapping up a vacation in Kiawah Island, South Carolina,
with President Joe Biden. .
She is currently staying at a private residence in South Carolina and will return home after she receives two consecutive negative COVID tests. , Elizabeth Alexander, Jill Biden's communications director, via CNN.
President Biden recently
recovered from COVID as well.
He first tested positive on July 21.
President Biden and the first lady will continue to be routinely tested for the virus and adhere to isolation guidelines.
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Mike Pence Calls on GOP , to Stop Attacking the FBI , Over Trump Search.
On August 17, former Vice President Mike Pence
urged fellow Republicans to stop lashing out at the FBI
for searching Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago home. .
On August 17, former Vice President Mike Pence
urged fellow Republicans to stop lashing out at the FBI
for searching Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago home. .
Associated Press reports that Pence denounced calls
within the Republican party to defund the FBI, comparing
the sentiment with Democratic calls to defund the police. .
Associated Press reports that Pence denounced calls
within the Republican party to defund the FBI, comparing
the sentiment with Democratic calls to defund the police. .
The call for restraint comes amid an
escalating number of violent threats against
federal agents and government facilities. .
The Republican Party is the party of law
and order. Our party stands with the men
and women who stand on the thin blue line
at the federal and state and local level,
and these attacks on the FBI must stop, Mike Pence, via Associated Press.
The Republican Party is the party of law
and order. Our party stands with the men
and women who stand on the thin blue line
at the federal and state and local level,
and these attacks on the FBI must stop, Mike Pence, via Associated Press.
Calls to defund the FBI are just as
wrong as calls to defund the police, Mike Pence, via Associated Press.
The escalation comes after Trump's Florida home was searched as part of the Justice Department's investigation regarding classified records. .
While speaking in New Hampshire, Pence said the Justice
Department, along with Attorney General Merrick Garland, should
be more forthcoming about details regarding the search.
While speaking in New Hampshire, Pence said the Justice
Department, along with Attorney General Merrick Garland, should
be more forthcoming about details regarding the search.
We can hold the attorney general accountable for the decision he made without attacking the rank-and-file law enforcement personnel at the FBI, Mike Pence, via Associated Press.
We can hold the attorney general accountable for the decision he made without attacking the rank-and-file law enforcement personnel at the FBI, Mike Pence, via Associated Press.
AP reports that Trump and his allies within the Republican
party have labeled the search an act of political
persecution and an attack on the rule of law
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Planned Parenthood , To Invest Record $50 Million , on Pivotal Midterm Elections.
AP reports that the nation's leading reproductive health care provider is investing heavily in elections
where abortion rights are on the ballot.
The efforts will be aimed at governors' offices, Senate seats and legislative races in nine states where access to abortion hinges on the outcome of the election. .
According to Planned Parenthood, the funding will be focused in , Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin.
Who wins in these midterm elections will
determine whether a state has access to
abortion and potentially determine whether
we will face a national abortion ban, Jenny Lawson, executive director of Planned
Parenthood Votes, via Associated Press.
We will be clear about
who is on which side, Jenny Lawson, executive director of Planned
Parenthood Votes, via Associated Press.
AP reports that abortion has already
been banned or heavily restricted
in about a dozen Republican-led states. .
When people go to vote this November,
nearly half of the folks voting could be living
in a state that either has already banned
abortion or is quickly moving to ban abortion.
These are entirely new circumstances, Jenny Lawson, executive director of Planned
Parenthood Votes, via Associated Press.
There are a lot of issues people care about, certainly, but the state of abortion access is absolutely one of the defining issues this November, Jenny Lawson, executive director of Planned
Parenthood Votes, via Associated Press.
Planned Parenthood has set a goal of contacting
6 million voters in a campaign to drive election day
turnout by Democrats and independents.
Planned Parenthood has set a goal of contacting
6 million voters in a campaign to drive election day
turnout by Democrats and independents
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Sarah Palin Advances , in Race for Alaskaās House Seat.
Sarah Palin Advances , in Race for Alaskaās House Seat.
NBC News reports that the former governor of Alaska has secured a spot in November's general election for a congressional seat. .
NBC News reports that the former governor of Alaska has secured a spot in November's general election for a congressional seat. .
Joining her on the ballot in the fall
will be Republican Nick Begich, Democrat
Mary Sattler Peltola and Republican Tara Sweeney.
Joining her on the ballot in the fall
will be Republican Nick Begich, Democrat
Mary Sattler Peltola and Republican Tara Sweeney.
Joining her on the ballot in the fall
will be Republican Nick Begich, Democrat
Mary Sattler Peltola and Republican Tara Sweeney.
Sen. Lisa Murkowski and Trump-backed
Kelly Tshibaka advanced in the Senate primary.
Sen. Lisa Murkowski and Trump-backed
Kelly Tshibaka advanced in the Senate primary.
A special election was also held on Aug. 16 to determine who will serve out the remainder of the late Rep. Don Young's term. .
A special election was also held on Aug. 16 to determine who will serve out the remainder of the late Rep. Don Young's term. .
According to NBC News, that race, which includes Palin, is too early to call. .
Results are expected later this month. .
Palin, the 2008 Republican vice presidential nominee, has faced criticism for her decision to leave her gubernatorial term early.
Palin, the 2008 Republican vice presidential nominee, has faced criticism for her decision to leave her gubernatorial term early.
She's also be criticized for
embracing political celebrity status. .
I get it. Sarah Palin is famous.
But come on? U.S. Congress?, Small-business owner in an add for Nick Begich, via NBC News
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Liz Cheney Mulls White House Run , After Losing Wyoming GOP Primary.
NBC News reports that on the night of Aug. 16, Cheney lost in a Republican primary against Trump-backed challenger Harriet Hageman. .
NBC News reports that on the night of Aug. 16, Cheney lost in a Republican primary against Trump-backed challenger Harriet Hageman. .
Cheney previously voted to impeach Trump and has spoken against him during Jan. 6 committee hearings, which has angered many Republicans. .
Cheney previously voted to impeach Trump and has spoken against him during Jan. 6 committee hearings, which has angered many Republicans. .
NBC News reports that on Aug. 17, Cheney said she will join a bipartisan coalition to keep former President Trump from
ever holding office again, vowing to do "whatever it takes." .
I believe that Donald Trump continues to pose a very grave threat and risk to our republic. , Rep. Liz Cheney, on the 'Today' show.
And I think that defeating him is going to require a broad and united front of Republicans, Democrats and independents, and thatās what I intend to be a part of, Rep. Liz Cheney, on the 'Today' show.
Weāve now got one major political party, my party, which has really become a cult of personality, and weāve got to get this party back to a place where weāre embracing the values and the principles on which it was founded, Rep. Liz Cheney, on the 'Today' show.
Weāve now got one major political party, my party, which has really become a cult of personality, and weāve got to get this party back to a place where weāre embracing the values and the principles on which it was founded, Rep. Liz Cheney, on the 'Today' show.
When asked during an appearance on
'Today' if she'd consider a presidential run, Cheney said it was on her mind. .
Thatās a decision that Iām going to make in the coming months, and Iām not going to make any announcements here this morning ā but it is something that I am thinking about, Rep. Liz Cheney, on the 'Today' show.
Cheney later said "it could take several election cycles" to reform the GOP that is "in very bad shape.".
Cheney later said "it could take several election cycles" to reform the GOP that is "in very bad shape.".
I am absolutely going to
continue this battle, Rep. Liz Cheney, on the 'Today' show.
Itās the most important thing Iāve ever been involved in, and I think itās certainly the most important thing, challenge, that our nation has faced in recent history, and maybe since the
Civil War. And itās one that we must win, Rep. Liz Cheney, on the 'Today' show
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Most Americans Support , Using Popular Vote
to Choose President, , Data Shows.
The data was compiled by the
Pew Research Center.
The information was made public on Aug. 5.
According to the Pew Research Center, roughly
63 percent of Americans would prefer the
U.S. president to be chosen by popular vote. .
35 percent of Americans support the current electoral college system.
The Electoral College has played an outsize role in several recent U.S. elections, and a majority of Americans would welcome a change to the way presidents are elected, Rebecca Salzer and Jocelyn Kiley, Data Authors,
via Pew Research Center.
In January 2021 when a similar poll was conducted,
55 percent of Americans supported the use of a popular vote to decide the U.S. presidential election.
The most recent survey was conducted between June 27 and July 4 of 2022.
The poll shows a
stark divide along party lines.
80 percent of Democrats favor the popular vote compared to 42 percent of Republicans.
The data also shows a generational divide.
Nearly 70 percent of those between the ages of
18 to 29 support the popular vote.
while only 56 percent of those
over the age of 65 agree.
How members of the electoral college are chosen can vary depending on the state.
In modern U.S. history, the two presidents who were elected by the electoral college despite losing the popular vote are George W. Bush and Donald Trump.
In modern U.S. history, the two presidents who were elected by the electoral college despite losing the popular vote are George W. Bush and Donald Trump
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Ex-CFO of Trump Organization , Pleads Guilty in Tax Evasion Case.
Ex-CFO of Trump Organization , Pleads Guilty in Tax Evasion Case.
'The Hill' reports that Allen Weisselberg pleaded guilty to 15 tax evasion charges on Aug. 18.
During a period of more than 10 years, Weisselberg reportedly avoided paying nearly $2 million in taxes.
During a period of more than 10 years, Weisselberg reportedly avoided paying nearly $2 million in taxes.
'The Hill' reports that he enriched himself and top Trump Organization executives and didn't report the income. .
'The Hill' reports that he enriched himself and top Trump Organization executives and didn't report the income. .
As part of a deal with the prosecution, Weisselberg will receive a five-month prison sentence.
As part of a deal with the prosecution, Weisselberg will receive a five-month prison sentence.
While Weisselberg and the Trump Organization were both charged with tax fraud a year ago, .
While Weisselberg and the Trump Organization were both charged with tax fraud a year ago, .
former President Trump has
yet to be charged with a crime.
The trial against the company begins in October.
Last week, Trump sat for a deposition in
NY Attorney General Letitia James' civil case against the Trump Organization.
Last week, Trump sat for a deposition in
NY Attorney General Letitia James' civil case against the Trump Organization.
but the former president pleaded the Fifth
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Nuclear War Would Cause , Billions To Die From Starvation, , Study Says.
'The Hill' reports that a new study published in 'Nature Food' on Aug. 15 found that if the U.S. and Russia entered into a full-scale nuclear war.
over 5 billion people would starve to death. .
Researchers at Rutgers University came to that conclusion after calculating the amount of global crop yields that would suffer.
They used a climate forecasting tool to predict how ash caused by nuclear explosions would move around the world and impair food production. .
The model predicted that wind patterns would carry clouds of smoke and debris to the U.S., U.K., China and Germany which are all major food exporters.
Decreased food exports would lead to increased famine across Africa and the Middle East.
Within two years of a cease-fire, three-quarters of the global population would be starving.
Four years after nuclear warfare, 90% of worldwide crop, animal and fishing yields would decline.
Four years after nuclear warfare, 90% of worldwide crop, animal and fishing yields would decline.
Alan Robock, study co-author, said nuclear war would undoubtedly "obliterate global food systems.".
If nuclear weapons exist, they can be used, and the world has come close to nuclear war several times. Banning nuclear weapons is the only long-term solution, Alan Robock, study co-author, via 'The Hill'
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:30Published
Biden Says āJustice Has Been Deliveredā , After Drone Strike Kills , Al Qaeda Leader Ayman Al-Zawahiri.
'The Hill' reports that the
U.S. carried out a
drone strike in Kabul
on July 31 which
killed al-Zawahiri. .
On Aug. 1, President Biden hailed the killing of the al Qaeda leader who is said to have been ādeeply involvedā in planning the 9/11 attacks. .
On Aug. 1, President Biden hailed the killing of the al Qaeda leader who is said to have been ādeeply involvedā in planning the 9/11 attacks. .
Now, justice has been delivered, and this terrorist leader is no more. People around the world no longer need to fear the vicious and determined killer, President Biden, via statement.
The president also said al-Zawahiri recently called for his followers to attack America and its allies and ācarved a trail of murder and violence against American citizens, American service members, American diplomats and American interest.ā.
The president also said al-Zawahiri recently called for his followers to attack America and its allies and ācarved a trail of murder and violence against American citizens, American service members, American diplomats and American interest.ā.
We make it clear again tonight that no matter how long it takes, no matter where you hide,
if you are a threat to our people, the
United States will find you and take you out, President Biden, via statement.
Biden added that none of al-Zawahiri's family members or civilians were killed. .
He also vowed to prohibit Afghanistan from becoming a "safe haven" for terrorists. .
We will never again, never again allow Afghanistan to become a terrorist safe haven, because he is gone, and weāre going to make sure that nothing else happens, President Biden, via statement.
We will never again, never again allow Afghanistan to become a terrorist safe haven, because he is gone, and weāre going to make sure that nothing else happens, President Biden, via statement.
You know, it canāt be a launching pad against the United States. Weāre going to see to it that that wonāt happen, President Biden, via statement
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Jon Stewart Blasts GOP Senators , for Blocking Veteransā Health Legislation.
'The Hill' reports that on July 27, Republican lawmakers blocked passage of the PACT Act.
The bill would expand healthcare coverage
for over three million veterans who
were exposed to toxins and burn pits.
Jon Stewart, an advocate for the cause, appeared at a Capitol Hill press conference on July 28. .
Jon Stewart, an advocate for the cause, appeared at a Capitol Hill press conference on July 28. .
Aināt this a b----? Americaās heroes, who fought in our wars, outside sweating their asses off, while these motherf------ sit in the air conditioning, walled off from any of it, Jon Stewart, at press conference on Capitol Hill.
Deadline reports that the legislation appeared to have enough bipartisan support to pass.
but then Sen. Pat Toomey urged lawmakers to vote against it after claiming the bill contained a loophole to facilitate
$400 billion in spending "unrelated to veterans care.".
but then Sen. Pat Toomey urged lawmakers to vote against it after claiming the bill contained a loophole to facilitate
$400 billion in spending "unrelated to veterans care.".
Stewart took to Twitter
to condemn Sen. Toomey
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
New Poll Shows Gun Owners , Want More Restrictions, but Lack Trust in Government.
NPR reports a new poll indicates the majority of gun owners in the United States favor some common-sense gun laws.
The survey, conducted by NPR/Ipsos, shows gun owners aren't against universal background checks... .
... or raising the minimum age to buy a gun.
But much of the gun-owning population is against bans on semiautomatic weapons, believing it could lead to restrictions on all firearms.
This NPR/Ipsos survey of American gun owners shows that the majority of gun owners are supportive of moderate gun control measures... , Chris Jackson, senior vice president with Ipsos, via NPR.
... like background checks or increased age requirements... , Chris Jackson, senior vice president with Ipsos, via NPR.
... but harbor deep distrust
of government suggesting
the barriers that exist to
more actions on guns. , Chris Jackson, senior vice president with Ipsos, via NPR.
Nearly 80% of gun owners in the United States favor background checks for all gun sales.
Almost two-thirds of American gun owners want minimum age limits for purchasing assault rifles.
Still, only a quarter of gun owners trusts the government to enact responsible gun laws
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:30Published
Poll Shows Most Americans Disapprove , of Direction of United States.
CNN reports Americans aren't happy with the current state of affairs in the United States.
A survey conducted by AP-NORC, published
June 29, shows that 85% of Americans believe
the country is going in the wrong direction.
The general sentiment of the country has grown more and more pessimistic.
A poll released in May showed that
78% of Americans had an unfavorable
outlook on the nation's future.
As of now, 92% of Republicans and
78% of Democrats aren't satisfied with the work of the Biden administration.
which marks the highest number of disgruntled Democrats since President
Joe Biden took office last year.
Regarding the state of the nation's economy, merely 20% view it favorably.
Among Republicans, 90% view the
state of the economy as poor.
67% of Democrats also believe
the current economic outlook in
the United States isn't great.
Since the country's Supreme Court ruling stripped federal abortion rights, discontent among Democrats has risen sharply.
In a recent Reuters/Ipsos poll,
62% of Democrats said they were concerned about the state of American democracy.
which was up from 49%
the week before the ruling
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:30Published
Republican Liz Cheney has said she is "thinking about" running for president in 2024 after losing her seat in Congress to a Trump-backed candidate from her own.. Sky News
Ukraine Braces for Disaster, As Nuclear Plant, 'Approaches Critical'.
BBC reports that danger is growing near
a nuclear plant in Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine, as the
plant remains under fire from heavy shelling.
Since early March, Russian forces
have occupied the site which is the home
of Europe's largest nuclear reactor.
The area has been heavily shelled
in the past two weeks with
both sides blaming each other.
NATO has called on the United Nations to send inspectors to the Zaporizhzhia power plant, claiming the facility poses a serious threat to Ukraine and neighboring countries.
NATO has called on the United Nations to send inspectors to the Zaporizhzhia power plant, claiming the facility poses a serious threat to Ukraine and neighboring countries.
It is impossible to ensure the safety of the nuclear power plant while the Russian occupying forces are there. It is the key concern that we all should understand, Denys Monastyrskyy, Ukraine's interior minister, via BBC.
According to officials, power to the plant
could be cut off as Russia redirects
electricity to Crimea, which it annexed in 2014.
Rafael Grossi, the director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency, warns that the strikes highlight, "the very real risk of a nuclear disaster that could threaten public health and the environment in Ukraine and beyond.".
Any military firepower directed at, or from, the facility would amount to playing with fire, with potentially catastrophic consequences, Rafael Grossi, director general of the International
Atomic Energy Agency, via BBC.
For the sake of protecting people
in Ukraine and elsewhere from
a potential nuclear accident, we must
all set aside our differences and act, now, Rafael Grossi, director general of the International
Atomic Energy Agency, via BBC.
For the sake of protecting people
in Ukraine and elsewhere from
a potential nuclear accident, we must
all set aside our differences and act, now, Rafael Grossi, director general of the International
Atomic Energy Agency, via BBC.
BBC reports that while Ukraine is unable to force
Russia to relinquish control over the power plant,
the country is focused on preparing for the worst.
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
Moscow rules out a proposal for an urgent IAEA mission to the Russian-occupied nuclear plant, as the UN chief and Turkish president visit Ukraine: today's latest updates.
Credit: euronews (in English) Duration: 03:46Published
Ukrainian soldiers are receiving urban combat training at military bases in England as part of a programme to train 10,000 recruits, many of whom have little military experience.
Credit: euronews (in English) Duration: 01:00Published
An A-level student from Kyiv whose father is serving on the front line has achieved four A grades - while helping Ukrainian refugees here in the UK. Sky News
Gas Prices
Fall Below , $4 per Gallon.
According to AAA, the national average price for a gallon of gas fell below $4 on Aug. 11.
It is the first time gas prices have fallen below $4 since..
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published